[RPG] For crafting an item do you need to be proficient with the tools

craftingdnd-5e

According to the PHB Crafting can only be done if you are proficient with the tools

You can craft nonmagical objects, including adventuring
equipment and works of art. You must be proficient
with tools related to the object you are trying to create
(typically artisan’s tools). You might also need access to
special materials or locations necessary to create it. For
example, someone proficient with smith’s tools needs a
forge in order to craft a sword or suit of armor.

However, I seem to recall designer Mike Mearls saying you don't need to be proficient.

Q. Confused about tools in game. Is it necessary to have proficiency in any of them to use them?
nope – you can still use them, just without the proficiency bonus. -M

So I'm confused, was there an addendum or is M just reversing what is stated in RAW?

Best Answer

There's no real contradiction here. In general, anyone can use a tool with or without proficiency - if they have proficiency, they get to add their proficiency bonus to checks made with that tool. For example, from artisan's tools:

Proficiency with a set of artisan’s tools lets you add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make using the tools in your craft.

However, as you've already discovered, crafting has specific rules:

You must be proficient with tools related to the object you are trying to create (typically artisan’s tools).

So in general, proficiency with tools isn't required to use those tools, and Mearls' answer reflects that, but in the specific case of crafting, proficiency is required.

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